Gunther von Hagens

Gunther von Hagens, 81, died on July 24, 2026. Gunther von Hagens was known publicly as a German anatomist, inventor of plastination and cerebral hemorrhage complicated by Parkinson's disease. He developed the technique for preserving biological tissue specimens called plastination. Von Hagens has organized numerous Body Worlds public exhibitions and occasional live demonstrations of his and his colleagues' work, and has traveled worldwide to promote its educational value. The sourcing of biological specimens for and the commercial background of his exhibits has been controversial. Public biographical listings identify Hagens as a German anatomist. Hagens was also associated with inventor of plastination and cerebral hemorrhage complicated by Parkinson's disease. This public record remains centered on Hagens's work as a German anatomist, inventor of plastination and cerebral hemorrhage complicated by Parkinson's disease and the documented milestones of that career.